South African President Warns Anti-Immigrant Protesters
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on people planning anti-immigrant protests to express their views peacefully and avoid threats, intimidation and taking the law into their own hands.
The warning comes as large demonstrations are expected today, organized by groups opposed to undocumented immigrants. Those groups have previously issued ultimatums demanding that people in the country illegally leave South Africa.
Reports say thousands of people from Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique have begun leaving South Africa or are seeking safe shelter, fearing violence and attacks against foreigners.
President Ramaphosa stressed that protecting borders and enforcing immigration law is the responsibility of the government and security forces, not something civilian groups should do on their own. The government has also increased security forces to prevent violence and acts that could harm citizens and foreigners.
South Africa has long faced challenges related to unemployment, poverty and economic inequality, issues that sometimes fuel hostility toward immigrants. Experts warn the situation could lead to a humanitarian crisis if it is not quickly brought under control.
